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Midtown PlanOne of the many strengths of the City of Albany is the number of fine institutions of higher education located here. The colleges and university in the City are major centers of activity and stability in Albany's neighborhoods. Recognizing the important role institutions of higher education can play in the revitalization of the community, the City is collaborating with Citizens Bank and targeted institutions in the central or "Midtown" portion of Albany to leverage their investment activities and programming needs to enhance their surrounding neighborhoods. In June 2005, the City of Albany, Citizens Bank and the participating institutions of higher education unveiled a comprehensive, multimillion-dollar community investment plan to increase homeownership, strengthen commercial retail districts and create an education district in the Midtown area of Albany.
Download the plan here. Key elements of the plan include:Albany Education District Enhancement StudyThe City of Albany, the University at Albany and The College of Saint Rose have partnered to study Albany’s Midtown Education District through a $95,000 grant from the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC). The grant is funded through CDTC’s Community and Transportation Linkage Planning Program, one of the most significant cooperative regional efforts in the nation.
The District, which lies between The College of Saint Rose and the University at Albany’s Downtown Campus, is home to and used by thousands of students, a strong core of homeowners and dozens of local businesses. The City will work with the University and College with the goal of improving the connectivity and safety of the education district and to create a safe, welcoming and vibrant activity center.
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$5,000 Homeownership Grant ProgramWithin the City of Albany’s “Midtown” area, there are several different educational institutions. The colleges and university located in this area are centers of activity and stability. These institutions are essential in the growth and development of Albany. In order to enhance the areas surrounding these colleges and university, the Midtown Homeownership Program was developed to assist new homeowners. The Program is focused on strengthening Albany neighborhoods by increasing the rate of homeownership in the City. The Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) program is available to full-time faculty and staff of Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany Law School, Albany Medical Center, College of St. Rose, Sage Colleges, or the University of Albany. The Midtown Homeownership Program is available to individuals or families purchasing a home within the particular program boundaries and offers a $5,000 forgivable loan to be used toward down payment and closing costs. The eligible boundaries of the programs are outlined on the map. Online Resources Upper Madison Block PlanThis busy corridor was a prime candidate for the first block planning initiative of the Midtown Colleges and University Study. Dubbed the Upper Madison Block Plan, the City’s Department of Development & Planning began a strategic initiative to revitalize the commercial district in order to attract new patrons and provide local residents with an enhanced retail experience.
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